Discover Redding: Sundial Bridge, Culture and Trails along the Sacramento River

Redding combines distinctive architecture, public art and diverse experiences along the Sacramento River. Those planning a trip with culture, nature and active days will find different ways to shape their stay here: from the Art Deco theatre and a spacious park to paved paths for walks, hikes, bike rides and horseback riding.

Culture and Special Places in Redding

The Cascade Theatre is an outstanding example of Art Deco architecture. The theatre was inaugurated on August 9, 1935. This provides a specific point of interest for anyone interested in architectural history and Redding’s cultural side.

The Sundial Bridge is an extraordinary combination of design and riverside landscape. The pedestrian bridge and public art installation crosses the Sacramento River in Redding and connects the northern and southern areas of Turtle Bay Exploration Park. At the same time, it functions as a sundial and is one of the largest sundials in the world. The site is therefore well suited to an outing where architecture, art and landscape come together directly.

Turtle Bay Exploration Park for Shared Discoveries

Turtle Bay Exploration Park is an entertaining, nonprofit gathering place covering 300 acres. It includes the Sundial Bridge, a museum, a forestry and wildlife center, an arboretum and botanical gardens. The Turtle Bay Museum presents permanent exhibitions about the region and temporary exhibitions from around the world. This allows a visit to be shaped according to individual interests, with a stronger focus on cultural history, nature or family activities.

Visitors to the park can see more than 64 animal species, many of which are native to Northern California. Paul Bunyan’s Forest Camp is designed as an educational center modeled on a historic logging camp and includes playgrounds, animal exhibits and the Mill Building. The combination of learning, observing and playing can be a varied part of travel planning for families in particular, without limiting the stay to a single destination.

Trails along the Sacramento River and in the City

The Sacramento River Trail is ideal for outdoor activities. This paved national recreation trail in Redding is used for walking, hiking, cycling and horseback riding and runs for 17 miles along the river. Its loops pass through scenic landscapes and offer views of the local birdlife. Those who prefer longer distances can also bear in mind that Redding has a total of 225 miles of trails within a 15-mile radius of downtown.

Another green facet is provided by Turtle Bay’s 10-acre McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. It is home to a diverse range of plants native to Mediterranean climates. Together with the river trail, it creates a travel experience that allows for both active days and quieter nature observation.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Redding, it is worth deciding on the desired focus of the trip. Those interested in culture can plan to visit the Cascade Theatre, the Sundial Bridge and the Turtle Bay Museum. Anyone wanting to spend plenty of time outdoors can focus on the Sacramento River Trail, the other trails in the city and the gardens at Turtle Bay. Parking for Turtle Bay Exploration Park is available at the Sundial Bridge parking lot.

If you would like to add further destinations to your travel plans, you can find Shasta Lake, Anderson, Lakehead-Lakeshore, Fall River Mills and Burney here.

For the overarching travel overview: Shasta.